Man United Launch £12m Bid for Everton Full-Back Leighton Baines

Man United have reportedly registered an opening bid for Everton full-back Leighton Baines according to The Times.

David Moyes has been strongly linked with moves to bring his former Goodison Park charge to Old Trafford but one wonders if an opening offer of between £10m-£12m, as quoted by this source, would be enough to tempt the Toffees to sell arguably their most effective performer.

Baines has stated his willingness to remain at Everton but a concrete offer from Man United for his services may persuade the former Wigan Athletic man to push for an exit from the Merseyside club he has represented with distinction for six seasons.

Now 28 years of age the England international may feel this is the right time to make a high profile move, and a chance to experience Champions League football whilst also challenging for major honours.

Baines will know that a move to Man United will help in his push to unseat Ashley Cole from the left-back spot in Roy Hodgson’s England starting line-up, perhaps all the more relevant given the World Cup Finals in Brazil are less than a year away.

Moyes may well see Baines as a long term replacement for Patrice Evra, who had a decidedly average season last term, certainly by the French veteran’s usual high standards, and there has been speculation that the Man United full-back may be on his way back to Monaco.